Rep. Jill N. Tokuda

Maddy summaryThis House resolution (HRES 1036) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating February 29, 2024, as "Rare Disease Day." It acknowledges the global observance of Rare Disease Day - first recognized in the U.S. in 2009 - and highlights the challenges faced by the over 25 million Americans living with rare diseases (affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. each). The resolution recognizes the importance of improving awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and supporting efforts to develop treatments for rare diseases. It is a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, aligning with the annual global observance of Rare Disease Day.

Long-term Opportunities for Advancing New Studies for Biomedical Research Act or the LOANS for Biomedical Research Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to establish the BioBonds Program to support loans for clinical trials for eligible drugs and medical devices for unmet medical needs. Under the program, fiscal agents purchase loans (up to $25 million per recipient) and issue collateralized bonds that are sold to investors and that are guaranteed by Treasury. An eligible borrower under this program is one conducting (or seeking to conduct) research related to a drug or device that is (1) intended to meet an unmet medical need; and (2) under investigation in certain types of controlled clinical trials, including a trial to investigate the safety and effectiveness of the drug or device.  The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Treasury must report on the program; GAO must also study whether similar programs should be established for other biomedical research projects.

Maddy summaryHR 7481 establishes a new CDC program to address social determinants of health - such as housing, food access, and transportation - that impact community health outcomes. It authorizes $100 million annually (2025-2029) to fund grants for state/local health agencies, nonprofits, and universities to design and implement community-based strategies tackling unmet health needs. Grantees must collaborate with health systems, housing organizations, and local stakeholders to collect data, develop evidence-based solutions, and monitor impacts on health equity and healthcare costs. The bill requires annual reporting and a national evaluation after five years to assess program effectiveness.

Military Family Leave Act of 2024 This bill entitles an employed family member of a member of the Armed Forces who receives notification of a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation, or who is deployed in connection with a contingency operation, to two workweeks of leave per year for each family member who is so called or deployed. Such leave may (1) be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule; and (2) consist of paid or unpaid leave, as the employer considers appropriate. Additionally, the bill (1) allows an employer to require certification of entitlement to such leave within a leave request, (2) provides employment and benefits protection for employees upon their return from such leave, and (3) prohibits an employer from interfering with or otherwise denying the exercise of such leave rights.

Young Adult Tax Credit Act  This bill allows a refundable young adult tax credit and a monthly advance payment of such credit. The bill defines young adult as an individual who is at least age 18, but not yet 25, and is either a citizen, national, or resident of the United States. The amount of such credit is the sum of $500 for each taxpayer or taxpayer dependent who is a young adult in any calendar month.

Maddy summaryHRES 1044 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for designating February 2024 as "National Youth Leadership Month." It emphasizes the importance of youth leadership, particularly for young people from historically excluded groups like youth of color, LGBTQ+ youth, and those in foster care, and encourages policies that elevate youth voices in decision-making. The resolution does not create new laws but calls for greater engagement of youth in policy discussions and support for leadership development initiatives. It aims to recognize current youth leaders and promote future leadership opportunities without imposing any legal requirements.

Expanding Opportunity for Minority Depository Institutions Act or the Expanding Opportunity for MDIs Act This bill establishes the Financial Agent Mentor-Protégé Program within the Department of the Treasury. The program provides participating minority deposit institutions and small financial institutions with mentorship from large financial institutions or from financial agents designated by Treasury. This mentorship prepares protégé institutions to improve service capacity or to perform as financial agents for the federal government.

Maddy summaryThe Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act creates a federal grant program to increase mental health staff in low-income schools. It provides funding for partnerships between low-income schools (where at least 20% of students are from families below the poverty line) and graduate programs in school counseling, psychology, and social work. Grant funds can cover training costs, salary support for new mental health providers, recruitment of underrepresented students, and student loan repayment for mental health staff working in qualifying schools. The bill sets target ratios for staff-to-student ratios (like 1 counselor per 250 students) and requires annual reporting on program outcomes. The program is authorized for $200 million annually to address mental health staffing shortages in schools serving high-poverty communities.

Maddy summaryHRES 1032 is a symbolic resolution designating the week of February 26-March 1, 2024, as "Public Schools Week" in the U.S. House of Representatives. It expresses congressional support for public education, highlighting its role in preparing students and communities. The resolution has no legal effect or funding provisions - it solely serves as a formal expression of backing for public schools. It directly affects no individuals or entities but aims to raise awareness about public education. This is a non-binding gesture, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThe Peace Corps and AmeriCorps Student Loan Forgiveness Act amends federal student loan rules to count months of deferment or forbearance during service as Peace Corps volunteers or AmeriCorps members toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness. It applies to borrowers with eligible federal student loans who were in deferment or forbearance after October 1, 2007, while serving in approved Peace Corps or AmeriCorps roles. This change treats each qualifying service month as a "qualifying payment," reducing the time needed to reach the 120 required payments for loan forgiveness. The bill directly benefits current and former Peace Corps volunteers and AmeriCorps members with federal student loans.